REEDER, PHILIP DALLAM
REEDER, PHILIP DALLAM
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne
Brigade,
Date of Action: September 26, 1968
Citation:
The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Philip
Dallam Reeder, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in
connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile
force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion
(Airmobile), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade. Private Reeder distinguished
himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 26 September 1968 while serving as
an automatic rifleman with the 173d Airborne Brigade. His unit made contact and
began receiving a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from an estimated
reinforced North Vietnamese Army company occupying well-fortified bunkers. As
Private Reeder's squad deployed against the hostile positions, an enemy hand
grenade landed among four of his comrades. With complete disregard for his
safety, Private Reeder rushed through the withering hail of enemy fire toward
it. As he dashed across the exposed area, he was wounded. Despite the injury he
grasped the grenade and ran toward the hostile bunker in an attempt to hurl it
back at the communist soldiers. As the grenade left his hand, it detonated,
killing him instantly. His body shielded the men from the blast and shrapnel,
saving them from injury or possible death. Private Reader's extraordinary
heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the
highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon
himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
HQ US
Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5750 (December 17, 1968)
Home Town: Beaumont, Texas
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